The Federal Transit Administration(FTA) is contributing $94.2 million toward the $117.2 million project, which is part of a larger plan to connect this busy transportation hub with downtown Stamford and the city’s business district, while reducing congestion on local streets.

The transitway alleviates the need for drivers to navigate one-way streets through downtown Stamford, while making the trip to the transportation center quicker, thanks in part to partially dedicated lanes for high-occupancy vehicles and efficiently timed signals to keep buses moving.

Phase 1, completed in November 2010, spurred major local employers, including NBC Sports and financial service companies RBS and UBS, to relocate their headquarters alongside the transitway, further streamlining the commute for thousands of employees.

The FTA contribution to the project includes $52.8 million for Phase 1 and $41.4 million for Phase 2.

Upon its completion next year, the transitway will become part of a plan to open Stamford’s south waterfront as part of a $4 billion brownfields revitalization and mixed-use redevelopment that is already underway.

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.